National Kissing Day Timeline

1896

The First On-Screen Kiss

“The Kiss,” a silent film, is shown for the first time with May Irwin and John Rice locking lips.

1300s

Catholic Church Outlaws Kissing

Pope Clement V forbids the “holy kiss” in fear that it would lead to other “unholy” acts.

326 B.C

The Expansion of Kissing

After the demise of Alexander the Great’s army, they take their kissing knowledge from India and begin locking lips all over the world.

1500 B.C

The Start of Kissing

Four major texts in Vedic Sanskrit suggest kissing as the custom of rubbing noses.